Spherical puzzle

ABSTRACT

A sphere in the form of a puzzle, wherein the sphere is divided into a plurality of pieces, each preferably having an exposed outer surface having a triangular perimeter, each held in place by a frame comprising a hub and spoke arrangement. The pieces are rotatable in relation to the frame in a plurality of different planar axes.

CROSS REFERENCE

This patent application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application 61/217,332, filed May 29, 2009 for SPHERICAL PUZZLE which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sphere in the form of a puzzle, wherein the sphere is divided equally into a plurality of pieces, each preferably having an exposed outer surface having a triangular perimeter, each held in place by a frame comprising a hub and spoke arrangement. The pieces are rotatable in relation to the frame in a plurality of different planar axes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many different types of spherical puzzles known in the art and the literature. The puzzles generally disclose connected pieces that can be scrambled or unscrambled by displacing some pieces relative to one another about a common point or plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,286 relates to a globe divided by a plurality of symmetrical meridional lines and by an equatorial line and/or by tropical lines in a plurality of spherical triangles and spherical quadrilaterals which are grouped on different colors or which are covered with colored drawings representing colored stories or the world map between two poles. Every couple of symmetrical meridans divides the globe in two hemispheres which can be turned so that one hemisphere changes the poles. The equator divides the globe in other two hemispheres which can rotate independently and the tropical lines divide the globe in zones which also can rotate independently. Combining this plurality of spatial rotations disposed on different angles and on different planes between them, becomes possible to reportedly make arrangements of spherical triangles and quadrilaterals to get different symmetrical colored designs or correct drawings according to everyone's ability.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,715 relates to a puzzle with the exterior shape of a sphere. The sphere comprises an even plurality of pieces formed by planes having in common a line joining two diametrically opposite poles of the sphere. The pieces are rotatably fastened together at the planes such that any two hemispheres, chosen by selecting one of the planes, can be rotated relative to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the puzzle comprises six pieces formed by three planes 60° apart. The puzzle is hollow with slidable interlocking connections between the pieces such that any two hemispheres selected can be rotated 180° relative to each other. The sequential 180° rotation of differing pairs of hemispheres scrambles and unscrambles the puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is reportedly identified by an easily recognizable pattern on the exterior of the sphere such as a globular map of the earth.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,323 relates to a three dimensional sliding element puzzle having a surface that is spherical in shape. The sphere is divided into longitudinal segments and latitudinal bands of surface elements. The puzzle is reportedly solved by rearranging the surface elements. The surface elements are rearranged by latitudinally rotating latitudinal bands of elements, and are rearranged by rotating hemispherical sets of longitudinal segments. The surface elements may have a pattern, color or numeric coding to indicate when they are arranged in a solution set. The surface elements may also be imprinted so that the solution is a map of the earth or another globe. The surface elements may also be designed to reportedly have a number of configurations forming a number of possible solutions.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,340 relates to a puzzle including track sections which reportedly join together to provide circumferential tracks which carry movable circumferential members. The track sections are movable about one another in a plurality of planes to allow the forming of a variety of combinations. The circumferential members have characters printed thereon. The track sections are rotated, reportedly causing the circumferential members to be shifted from one circumferential track to another at track junctions in order to form predetermined patterns according to a particular game objective.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,247 relates to a spherical logical puzzle comprising four interconnected branches, each of which defines a branch axis and comprises a fixed puzzle segment of arcuate triangular shape connected thereto, the segment being rotatable about its respective branch axis; plurality of free puzzle segments are also provided comprising six arcuate square puzzle segments and four arcuate triangular puzzle segments, the free and fixed puzzle segments being coupled together to form a sphere; the segments are reportedly capable of adopting a plurality of positions relative to one another, and are movable between these positions by relative rotation of the segments in planes perpendicular to the branch axes.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,221 relates to a polyhedron globe puzzle system comprising a plurality of scalene triangles with attachment means so as to reportedly form a generally spherical body on which is inscribed a world map such that the position of the scalene triangles contains latent and patent information and intelligence about the geography of the world map including, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal information. The 360 edges of the 240′dron form themselves into 21 circumscribing polygons which, when projected on to a concentric true sphere, reportedly become Great Circles.

U.S. Publication No. 2007/0057456 relates to a turning puzzle ball that includes a plurality of slidable members, and a plurality of rails. The slidable members reportedly form a hollow sphere. Each of the sides of each of the rails is slidably mounted between corresponding sides of two adjacent slidable members.

PCT International Publication No. WO 81/01638 relates to a game having the outer form of a sphere or of another at least uniaxial body of rotation. The surface of the body of rotation is reportedly divided by cuts along meridians and cuts along great circles into a plurality of sliding elements. The sliding elements are rotatable over the surface around the axis of rotation. The body of rotation is divisible at least along one meridian cut into halves rotatable in relation to one another so that when holding the one half first, the sliding elements for instance positioned in the lower range of the other body half reportedly can be combined with the sliding elements positioned in the upper part of this half.

It would be desirable to provide a spherical puzzle with each piece having an outer surface perimeter of substantially the same dimension that allows a user to scramble and unscramble the puzzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a spherical puzzle having a plurality of pieces operatively connected by a frame, wherein the pieces can be rotated in relation to the frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide a spherical puzzle having a plurality of different axes that each divide the puzzle into hemispheres, wherein along each axis, one hemisphere is rotatable in relation to the other hemisphere.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a frame having a hub and spoke configuration, wherein the hub is flexible and allows one or more spokes to move past the hub during rotation of one hemisphere of the puzzle in relation to the other along a given axis. In a preferred embodiment, a hub has either four or eight spoke ends adjacent thereto in a normal position with the pieces in a standard position, i.e., not during rotation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide puzzle pieces having a channel located in a side surface, remote or sheltered from the exposed outer surface of the piece. Preferably at least three channels are present on each piece, preferably one on each side of the piece adjacent the outer surface. Both the hubs and spokes are slidable along the channel of the piece during rotation of the puzzle along one of the axes.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a spherical puzzle having an outer surface including indicia, such as coloring, wording, a pattern, or a picture that can be scrambled and unscrambled.

In one aspect of the invention, a spherical puzzle is disclosed, comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece comprising a curved exterior surface bordered by a first side, a second side and a third side, each said side having a channel, and a frame comprising a plurality of hubs and spokes, wherein in a standard position where the puzzle is divisible into a plurality of hemispheres with axes extending along the sides of the pieces, each spoke has a first end and a second end each, independently, located adjacent one of the hubs.

In another aspect of the present invention, a spherical puzzle is discussed, comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece comprising a curved exterior surface bordered by a first side, a second side and a third side, each side having a different length, and a frame comprising a plurality of hubs and spokes, wherein each piece is directly bordered by three spokes in a standard position, wherein the standard position is defined by the puzzle being divisible into a plurality of hemispheres with axes extending along the sides of the pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spherical puzzle of the present invention without exterior indicia;

FIG. 2A is a side elevational perspective view of one embodiment of a puzzle piece;

FIG. 2B is a further side perspective view of a puzzle piece illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a further side perspective view illustrating two sides of the puzzle piece illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the puzzle piece of FIG. 2A illustrating three sides of the puzzle piece;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame of the spherical puzzle illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an interior view of a portion of the frame of the puzzle;

FIG. 5 is an interior angle perspective view of one embodiment of a frame of the present invention, particularly illustrating a pair of hubs and a plurality of spokes;

FIG. 6A is an inner perspective view illustrating three types of spokes that bound each puzzle piece;

FIG. 6B is an outer perspective view illustrating three types of spokes that bound each puzzle piece;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a puzzle of the present invention illustrating a plurality of puzzle pieces removed in order to show the structure between the puzzle pieces and portions of the frame;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the puzzle illustrated in FIG. 7 without some of the pieces in order to display the relationship of other pieces with the frame;

FIG. 7B is identical to FIG. 7A absent the frame;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a puzzle of the present invention illustrating a first pole and a second pole located an equal distance from an equator;

FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views of a further embodiment of a puzzle of the present invention wherein the pieces are formed from a plurality of interconnecting parts;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate perspective views of an additional embodiment of the present invention where the spokes include a magnet on each end adapted to be in contact with a hub; and

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate perspective views of a portion of an additional embodiment of the present invention including spokes including magnetic ends positioned adjacent magnetically attractive hubs and a piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a puzzle having an exterior surface substantially in the shape of a sphere. The puzzle comprises a plurality of pieces, preferably 48 pieces, rotatably connected by a frame, preferably comprising a hub and spoke arrangement. The puzzle pieces are interconnected and can be scrambled or unscrambled, without disassembly, by rotating some of the pieces relative to each other. The pieces are rotatably fastened such that a plurality of axes exist on the puzzle, preferably thirteen axes, nine of these axis' divide the puzzle into two hemispheres. Any of the hemispheres can be rotated in relation to an opposite hemisphere along one of the axes.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers represent like or similar parts throughout the several figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a spherical puzzle 10 of the invention. The puzzle 10 comprises a plurality of pieces 20 interconnected by a frame 30, see FIG. 7. The frame 30 comprises a plurality of hubs 32 and spokes 34 that aid in aligning and maintaining connection between the pieces 20.

For explanation purposes, the puzzle 10 has a first pole 40 through which first plane or axis 42, second plane or axis 44, third plane or axis 46 and fourth plane or axis 48 extend. A second pole 50 is located diametrically opposite the first pole 40 through which axes 42, 44, 46 and 48 also extend. A circumferential equator 60 is also present equidistant between the first pole 40 and the second pole 50 through which a fifth plane or axis 62 extends.

An additional eight poles are present between the first pole 40 and the equator 60. Likewise, eight poles are present between the equator 60 and the second pole 50. Four additional planes or axes 64, 66, 68 and 70 pass through the poles present between the first pole 40 and the second pole 50, without passing through either of the first pole 40 and the second pole 50, see FIG. 8. Therefore, the puzzle 10 preferably includes nine (9) different axes about which opposite hemispheres can be rotated, see for example axes 42, 44, 46, 48, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 in FIGS. 1 and 8.

Eight (8) pieces 20 have a corner adjacent first pole 40. An additional sixteen (16) pieces 20 are located between the first pole 40 and equator 60. Eight (8) pieces 20 have a corner adjacent second pole 50 and an additional sixteen (16) pieces are located between the second pole 50 and equator 60. Accordingly, the puzzle 10 preferably includes forty-eight (48) pieces, wherein the pieces each have an exterior surface perimeter having three sides. Each time one of the hemispheres is rotated in relation to another hemisphere, twenty-four (24) pieces are rotated.

A total of twenty-six (26) poles are present, with eight poles present around the equator 60, and eight poles each located between the equator 60 and the first pole 40 and equator 60 and second pole 50.

In order to maintain interconnection of the pieces 20 while allowing movement of the hemispheres along the planar axes, an internal frame 30, substantially hidden from view by pieces 20, the frame 30 comprising a plurality of hubs 32 and spokes 34 are utilized, see FIGS. 3 through 7. A hub 32 is present at each of the poles of the puzzle 10. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, twenty-six (26) hubs 32 are present. In order to allow a spoke 34 to pass a hub 32 during rotation of a hemisphere of the puzzle, the hub 32 must be flexible or deformable, yet resilient and able to substantially return to its original form after deformation. Also, the hub 32 must also be strong and durable to aid in maintaining alignment of the frame 30 and pieces 20 therein. In one embodiment, the hub 32 is a hollow ring. The hub 32 preferably possesses spring-like characteristics. The hub can be formed from various materials, for example, metal, a polymer such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The hub should have qualities of a split ring spring or a coil spring. In one embodiment of an example puzzle, the puzzle is provided with a 4 inch diameter (101.6 mm). A hub has a diameter of about 0.47 inch (11.9 mm). Spokes are provided with about a 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) width, which allow unhindered movement along all hemispheres.

Each spoke 34 extends between a pair of hubs 32 in the standard of aligned position. The spokes 34 each have a radial depth that is greater than the radial depth of a hub 32, see FIG. 5 for example. The radial depth of a hub 32 is less than the radial depth of channel 26 of piece 20 such that the piece 20 is slidable in relation to hub 32. The spoke 34 has a longitudinal axis 37 that extends between a first end 35 and a second end 36, each positioned adjacent a hub 32 when the puzzle is in an aligned position, i.e., not between movements, with all the spokes 34 in one hemisphere out of alignment with a hub 32. In an aligned position, the ends of all spokes 34 are adjacent to hubs 32, and the puzzle is divisible along all nine (9) axes. As the puzzle 10 is in the form of a sphere, the spokes 34 are curved inwardly along the longitudinal axis 37. The first end 35 and second end 36 are preferably in contact with the hub 32 adjacent thereto, but are not fixedly connected so that the spoke 34 can be moved in relation to the hub 32 when desired.

As illustrated in the interior views of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6A, the spokes 34 have a central groove 38 on the internal surface located between rails 39. A portion of the rail 39 is slidable within rail channel 28. In a preferred embodiment, the ends 35, 36 of the spokes 34 are angled such that the central portion extends a greater distance than the exterior end portions along the ends of the rails 39. The angled end portions allow spokes 34 situated at an angle, for example about 30° or about 60° with respect to an axis about which the puzzle is to be rotated, to pass a hub 32 substantially unhindered. The ends of the spoke 34 along the grooved section are preferably curved. The spokes fit into the channels 26 of two adjacent pieces 20 to connect them together, but to allow movement along each outer edge of piece 20. The spokes 34 are not attached to any other piece of the puzzle. The spokes 34 will not move within the puzzle in a parallel direction with any hemisphere, but are able to move with any hemisphere when the spokes are at an angle, for example about a 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, or a 135 degree angle in relation to an equator.

In a preferred embodiment, spokes 34 are formed in three different lengths, generally corresponding to the length of the side surface of each piece 20 of puzzle 10. Therefore, each piece 20, when the puzzle is in an aligned position, is surrounded by spokes 34 having three different lengths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a first spoke 34 is provided having a first length 80, second spoke 34 is presented having a second length 82, and a third spoke 34 is presented having a third length 84. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, a piece 20, not shown, is adapted to be located between spokes 34 having a first length 80, a second length 82 and a third length 84 and with the ends of the spokes 34 each abutting the hub 32. An important key to being able to move the puzzle in more axes is the use of the hubs 32 which maintain the position of the spokes 34 to prevent any spoke 34 from hindering movement along any axis while allowing spokes 34 to maintain position while moving with any hemisphere.

Spoke 34 is preferably formed from durable materials such as a metal or polymer. A polymer is preferred in one embodiment.

In one embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, frame 30 comprises a hub 34 surrounded by either four, six or eight spokes 34 in order to provide for the desired arrangement of pieces 20 in the puzzle 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the puzzle 10 includes seventy-two (72) total spokes 34. In a preferred embodiment there are 24 spokes of first length 80, 24 spokes of second length 82 and 24 spokes of third length 34.

The pieces 20 of puzzle 10 are interconnected by the components of frame 30. Each piece 20 has an exterior surface 21 and is generally archival or curved and form a portion of an exterior surface of a sphere. Exterior surface 21 is bounded by a first side 22, second side 23 and a third side 24, with the first side generally being the longest side and the third side 24 being the shortest side. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2B, each piece 20 is generally a three-dimensional triangular pyramid, wherein the base, i.e., exterior surface 21 is curved and is a portion of an exterior surface of a sphere. Each piece 20 generally has a vertex 25 with a distance from vertex 25 to exterior surface 21 generally being the radius of the spherical puzzle 10. Each side 22, 23, 24 includes a channel 28 in which a portion of the frame 30 resides, namely a portion of rail 39. Each of the three channels 28 on piece 20 allow the spokes to hold pieces 20 together to form the sphere puzzle 10. Channels 28 will align inside the sphere to form complete circular channels that will allow nine hemispheres to rotate on spokes inside these channels.

The sphere shaped puzzle 10 preferably consists of forty-eight (48) pieces evenly dividing the sphere. The puzzle 10 is able to rotate on nine (9) different axes moving half of the puzzle on each axis. An important feature of the puzzle is the frame 30 that allows all the pieces 20 of the puzzle 10 to be operatively connected together while not hindering puzzle 10 movement. The frame preferably consists of seventy-two (72) spokes 34 and twenty-six (26) hubs 32. The pieces 20 slide on the spokes 34 allowing the movement of the puzzle. The inside or frame 30 remains relatively in the same position inside the puzzle while the pieces 20 rotate on the spokes in relation to the frame 30 which are maintained in position by the hubs 32. FIG. 7A shows one embodiment of the puzzle 10 without some pieces in place to display this relationship with the frame. FIG. 7B displays the same view as FIG. 7A without the frame.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, the puzzles of the present invention can include pieces 20 of numerous different configurations, wherein in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, the piece 20 comprises 2 or more segments with two segments being shown wherein an outer segment is connected to an inner segment by a connector. The design of the pieces illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D thus create a puzzle that is hollow and utilize less material to form the pieces. By allowing one individual piece to formed having an inner and outer portion, the assembly process is made easier.

FIG. 10A-10D illustrate additional embodiments of spoke 34, with the spokes having a first length 80, second length 82, and a third length 84. The spokes 34 include ends having magnets 90, preferably at each end that can be magnetically connected to each other. Neodymium magnets are preferred in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the magnets 34 allow the use of the puzzle without any hubs. The magnets can be formed from any magnetizable material that creates a desired magnetic field. The magnets would create a magnetic field or polar field and eliminate the need for the hub in this embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D depict a piece 20 with an outer portion removed to illustrate an additional type of hub 32 that is formed having a spring-like radial force. In one embodiment a Marcel Expander is utilized as a hub. The expanders 32 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D provide outward pressure or radial force in order to maintain the puzzle in a desired configuration.

In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims. 

1. A spherical puzzle, comprising: a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece comprising a curved exterior surface bordered by a first side, a second side and a third side, each said side having a channel; and a frame comprising a plurality of hubs and spokes, wherein in a standard position where the puzzle is divisible into a plurality of hemispheres with axes extending along the sides of the pieces, each spoke has a first end and a second end each, independently, located adjacent one of the hubs.
 2. The puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a ring, wherein the spoke comprises a longitudinal axis located between the first end and the second end, and wherein the spoke is curved along the longitudinal axis.
 3. The puzzle according to claim 2, wherein the sides of each piece each comprise a channel located inward from a projection, wherein each spoke comprises a central groove and a rail located on each side of the central groove extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a portion of the rail of the spoke is located in a rail channel of the piece, and wherein the piece projection is movable in relation to the central groove of the spoke.
 4. The puzzle according to claim 3, wherein the first side, the second side and the third side each have a different length, wherein the spoke in contact with the first side has a first length, the spoke in contact with the second side has a second length, and a spoke in contact with the third side has a third length, and wherein the first length, second length and third length are different.
 5. The puzzle according to claim 4, wherein in the standard position, each hub is adjacent the end of either four, six or eight different spokes, and wherein the hub has a radial depth'which is less than a radial depth of the spoke.
 6. The puzzle according to claim 5, wherein forty-eight pieces are present, wherein seventy-two spokes and twenty-six hubs are present.
 7. The puzzle according to claim 6, wherein the puzzle is able to be rotated on nine different axes, wherein twenty-four pieces move in relation to twenty-four other pieces when one hemisphere is rotated in relation to another.
 8. The puzzle according to claim 1, wherein each piece is in the form of a triangular pyramid having a base that is the curved exterior surface.
 9. The puzzle according to claim 1, wherein each piece comprises an outer segment connected to an inner segment by a connector member.
 10. The puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the first end and second end of each spoke include a magnet.
 11. The puzzle according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the hubs comprises an expander that provides an outward pressure.
 12. A spherical puzzle, comprising: a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece comprising a curved exterior surface bordered by a first side, a second side and a third side, each side having a different length; and a frame comprising a plurality of hubs and spokes, wherein each piece is directly bordered by three spokes in a standard position, wherein the standard position is defined by the puzzle being divisible into a plurality of hemispheres with axes extending along the sides of the pieces.
 13. The puzzle according to claim 12, wherein in the standard position, each hub is adjacent the end of either four, six or eight different spokes, and wherein the hub has a radial depth which is less than a radial depth of the spoke.
 14. The puzzle according to claim 13, wherein the hub comprises a ring, wherein the spoke comprises a longitudinal axis located between the first end and the second end, and wherein the spoke is curved along the longitudinal axis.
 15. The puzzle according to claim 14, wherein the sides of each piece each comprise a channel located inward from a projection, wherein each spoke comprises a central groove and a rail located on each side of the central groove extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a portion of the rail of the spoke is located in a rail channel of the piece, and wherein the piece projection is movable in relation to the central groove of the spoke.
 16. The puzzle according to claim 15, wherein forty-eight pieces are present, wherein seventy-two spokes and twenty-six hubs are present.
 17. The puzzle according to claim 16, wherein the puzzle is able to be rotated on nine different axes, wherein twenty-four pieces move in relation to twenty-four other pieces when one hemisphere is rotated in relation to another.
 18. The puzzle according to claim 12, wherein each piece comprises an outer segment connected to an inner segment by a connector member.
 19. The puzzle according to claim 12, wherein the first end and second end of each spoke include a magnet.
 20. The puzzle according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the hubs comprises an expander that provides an outward pressure. 